Leibster

To my surprise, my sweet cousin Nicki nominated me for the Liebster award. What is a Liebster award you ask? Ya, I had no idea either. Apparently, according to Nicksters blog, it means "up and coming" in German. So, I take that as a compliment and a challenge. A challenge because, I need to keep up the blogging, and it makes me feel happy that someone out there enjoys reading it. I think it's easy to slack when you don't think people are reading. But, all in all, I love to blog. I love to get my thoughts out there, and now that I have the summer off, I have been posting so much more.

{There are a couple of rules you have to abide by upon receiving the award. I now get to pick 5 of my favorite blogs (they have to have less then 100 followers) and give them the award also. Then I get to divulge 5 personal things about myself.}

So, I nominate:
1. My Mama. I don't know if she will do it or not, she may be taking a break from blogging, but I love to read her posts!

2. Shantel. She recently started blogging when she had her sweet baby boy, and nothings like a Liebster blog right outta the gate, right?! I love to read blogs that share insight to peoples lives.

3. Tiff N. Tiff and I met in 2008 when our hubby's sold security systems together. We really hit it off, and had so much fun together! I don't get to see Tiff near as much as I used to. So I love catching up with a blog update.

4. Beth. I just love this girl. She's super funny, happy, and the sweetest person. She has 2 adorable kids, and she's one great mommy!

5. Jordan. She is my oldest friend (not that she's old, we have been friends since she was 1 and I was 3). I just love how witty she is. She is married and has two kitties, and she has a passion for photography.


Five PERSONAL things about myself-

So, I'm kind of strange when it comes to this kind of stuff. I really want my 5 things to be interesting and something you all honestly don't know about me. I like to be candid so people can relate, and keeping it real is always funner to read.

One- I love to look for motivation. What I mean by this is that when I am starting to get bored or complacent in school, work, religion, and just life in general, I like to find ways to make it more enjoyable. Let's be honest, sometimes we go about things as if it's a pain in the "A" to do it, and I hate being like that. People that are intelligent, and know so much, that are unique and interesting to talk to...those are the types of people I love to be around. There are people like this on television, in magazines, in my community, bloggers, etc. One thing I like to do is figure out where I'm at in life...what I need to work on...what I am not happy with myself about...and find a way to get inspired. I was slacking big time last year with school and being pregnant while Dustin was away for academy, and I found this book..."The Everygirl's Guide to Life" by Maria Menounos. I know, it sounds like it's probably corny because she's a celebrity and all. But, truth is, she's really down to earth, and her book is a lot about simplicity. It's filled with ways to organize your life, your house, it has make-up and work-out and work related tips. It was awesome. Other books that are motivational are- "Truth: Straight Talk for Women Living in a Dumb-downed World"  by Lisa Bloom.. "Somwhere Inside" by Laura Ling and Lisa Ling, and I loved "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.  Also, I love to go to church, and experience that feeling of rejuvenation. Odd word to describe it, but when I leave church, I feel ready to conquer my week. I haven't always been this way, and I'm not ashamed to say it. I think that we all need life experiences and self-searching to get to that point.

Two- Intrigued by the old and wise. I have always, since I was a little girl, been this way. I truly enjoy every second of being with "older" people. I'm talking like 70-90's in age. When I was really little, my most perfect day consisted of visiting the elderly people in my town.There were a good 5 that I visited almost every single day. I loved it. Dust and I joke that it's pretty sad that all of my best friends died while I was in elementary. Not meaning that disrespectfully, it is unfortunately the truth.
There's so many reasons why I love it but mainly because growing up with 4 kids and a working mom and dad, I think it was a peaceful feeling to be able to sit and talk about anything and everything. The people I visited were old, and didn't have busy lives, they made me feel like they had all of the time in the world for me. I loved learning about their lives, and experiences as well. I am still like this to this very day. I visit Lilly almost every day.  She has so much insight, and is willing to sit and talk. She's not selfish, critical or judgemental of anything. It's just pure conversation.

Three- I try to keep a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Notice I said "try?" I do really well in certain areas while slacking in others, and it's a constant juggle. But, I think that's what life is all about. We have to constantly be bettering ourselves. It doesn't end. It's a conscious effort every day to want to be a better person. I try to cook healthy. I read food blogs, pinterest, magazines, Internet cookbooks, and get recipes from friends and family. I love to cook, but even more so, I like to feel healthy. The saying, "You are what you eat," well, that sticks in my head. Mainly because I'm a 52 oz. Diet Dr. Pepper, and Gold Fish every day. Not pretty. I also try to stay active. I don't always get to work out considering I have to find a sitter and all, but if I don't get to work out, I try to do something active with Jaiya. And as for a healthy spirit, that's something I do every day. Whether it be a prayer, a good read, or church on Sunday. I do try to stay close with my Heavenly Father. I feel so much more involved in my religion than I ever have. I think because once you are away from home, married and have became a mother, you either decide to "be" or "not to be" an active member in your church. I chose to "be." I want that for Jaiya, for Dustin, but mostly for me. I truly am at my happiest when I live a worthy life, attend church, and add some sort of spirituality in my day. I know I still have A LOT to work on, but I'm doing just that, working on it.

Four- I'm a deep thinker. As you can tell from the previous paragraphs... I analyze everything. It's something that I used to hate about myself, but now, I've learned it can be a good quality. It's important to really put thought in to things you do. I guess in a way, it's some form of meditation. It makes you aware of your true thoughts and feelings.

Five-  I love nothing more than being a wife and Mommy. Nothing else matters unless I have these two in my life. I would do anything for them, and I know they'd do the same for me. I have been blessed with a husband who is proud of me, loves me, and helps with everything. He is so involved. Especially as a daddy. Dustin wants to be present for everything Jaiya does, and I love that about him. Jaiya is a ball of joy, so loving and sweet. She has taught me SO much about myself. It's amazing what truly matters and doesn't matter once you have became a Mommy.

And, that's me. I know, I have some intense thoughts, but I truly enjoyed every second of that. I can't wait to read what you other nominees have in store for us! And, thanks again Nicki!!!

My Mother's Day

Mother's Day was pretty low-key this year. Dustin had worked the night before, so he slept til about one the next day, and Jaiya and I had church at 12:30.  We came straight home from church and spent about an hour with Dustin before he had to work again.

I was so excited about my new pots and pans from Dustin and Jaiya! I have had my eye on them for a while now!!!

After Dustin left work, Jaiya and I went to visit Grandma and Papa! We played and visited outside for a while, and Jaiya got to go on her first Harley ride!

I'm Official

Nothing has ever scared me more, than thinking about taking my boards. Goodness, all that stress about did me in! I studied my tushy off! I just couldn't bare the thought of doing all of this hard work over the past 2 years,and it all coming down to this one test. Considering, test taking is my down-fall, I had every right to be extremely mortified.

I scheduled my test for May 10 at 10:45a.m, at the Pearson Vue Testing Center in Draper. I drove up that morning, the whole way trying to stay calm and think about anything but my test. I got there early and started a little after 10. Once I began, ya know that feeling of, "I have totally got this!?"...Ya, that wasn't the case. I panicked. I didn't feel like I was doing that great. I finished around noon, and luckily, when taking your boards, you get your score immediately! I pushed that oh so frightening "finish" button, and......................................You scored: 83! Wooooohooooo! I have never been so happy. Actually, it took me a while to shake off the shock of actually being done. I was immediately exhausted, had a headache, wanted to sleep, and in a weird fog. I had been all hyped up for so long preparing for the test, that once all the adreneline wore off, I needed to some much needed R&R!

It still seems unreal that's it over. I am so so happy to be done, and I have my hubby, Jaiya, My in-laws, and my Mom and Jer to thank for the success. I couldn't have done it without everyone's love and support, and their help with Jaiya! 

This is my badge that came in the mail along with my license!

WSU Graduation

It has been a long time coming, and through all the anxiety, tears, and stress, I did it. All while in the program I got pregnant with Jaiya, Dustin moved to Sandy for 16 weeks for Academy to work at the prison, I had Jaiya, lost a dear adopted Grandpa, and here we are...I am DONE. It really was very enjoyable for the most part. I loved the program, and everyone in my class and at the hospital. The past 2 years have been busy, but such an enjoyable journey, and as I mentioned with my announcement on my acceptance into the Sonography program,  it continues....

Dustin, Jaiya, Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Wall, Brady, Kayla, Hadlee, and Houston, all came to support me at Graduation, which was held in Ogden at the Dee Events Center. I think there were 800+ who actually walked that day, and over 8,000 are in a medical program. I didn't walk when I got my first Associates degree, and this time, I ended up being very happy that I made the choice to do so...I wanted my family to see where there helped me get with all of their help!

After my graduation, which thankfully only lasted about an hour and a half, we all met up for some Texas Roadhouse. It was so much fun. I love having the fam there together.. Thank you for your support!

Jaiya Bug- 18 Months

It's been too long since I've updated, but with good reasoning. A few months ago, Dustin and I bought a new laptop, and around the same time we were given a new digital camera. Unfortunately the memory card didn't fit in our laptop, therefore, no new pics could not be added...and no blog is as interesting without pictures! But, thanks to modern technology, we bought a device that can read our memory card and plug into our laptop. So, here we are. And, I'm finally catching up.

I am a little hesitant when I do an update on Jaiya because I feel that I need to make sure I remember EVERYTHING. I just never feel like I remember it all, and the perfectionist in me gets anxiety over that. Weird, right?! Oh well, at least MOST will be documented and the rest can stay tucked away in my memory until some future day of reminiscing to bring it out...

Jaiya @ her 18 month check-up with Dr. Judy.

Jaiya Facts-

Wearing size 12-24 mo., and at times a 2T.

Size 5 shoe.

Head size- 19"

26 lbs. Dropped from the 90th to the 75th- 80th percentile in weight! (not quite sure)

31" tall- 75th percentile

Jaiya recently wowed us with counting to ten in both English & Spanish. My mom thought she would teach her in Spanish while we were at the cabin, but after Grandma said, "Uno,.." Jaiya went on and on! Geeze, my thanks go out to Dora for teaching her so well...

And, along with that, she is OBSESSED (and I'm not using that word lightly) with Dora. Goodness, it's NON-STOP around here.

We potty-trained for a while with a couple successes, and we were struggling with jobs/school to keep it going, so now that I've got my summer break, I am tackling this thing once and for all!

Jaiya no longer drinks regular milk, whatsoever. It HAS to be chocolate.

She is already in the "copy-cat" stage. I say something, and immediately it gets repeated. Crap.

She is still very loving. Gives lots of kisses and hugs, but on the other hand, she is still a girl, and has the "sassy" down pat!

Jaiya cannot get enough of her Grandma's and Papa's.....oh and Kezi.

Whether Jaiya gets hurt or we sneeze or cough she ALWAYS says either, "I'm okay." or "Ya okay?!" It never fails. It's adorable.

She loves playing outside.

She's a fabulous mommy to her babies.

She loves to dance and sing.

She uses anything and everything as if it's a phone. It could be the end of the vacuum hose, and she'll stick it to her ear and say, "Ho'." ha ha

She gives mommy a run for her money at church. But, I do remind myself it's important that she learns sometime, so we still tackle it...

She LOVES rides in the car. Especially if she's tired.

She is always in our bathroom drawer with the deodorant and she opens one of them and rubs it under her nose. I can't blame her, daddy's Old Spice is to die for.

Bath-time is still a major hit. She loves it.

She loves water...and thanks to the grandparents...POP! Ugh. It was a constant fight for a while. She must take after her Mama.

The second we get in Grandma's car, she's shouting "Woobie, Woobie..." (movie) so that she can continue her Dora obsession on the go.

She has the Swiper saying down to a T, constantly saying, "Oh man!"

She will say any word.

She loves to color, but unfortunately we can't allow it considering she has colored on almost everything....

She has most of her teeth, but the "fang" teeth are just cutting through now!

She loves walks.

She is easily entertained. This girl LOVES to play with anything!

I love this little one to pieces. She's amazing, and growing up so fast. She learns so much and takes everything in like a sponge. I am one proud Mommy.

Mother's Day

What a wondeful day to celebrate our beautiful Mother's. Since becoming a mom myself, this day is even more special than ever. No, not because now I'm celebrated too, but because I now know what it truly means to be a mom. The countless hours you go thinking about the well-being of your child, making sure that they always feel loved and know you are there, keeping them clean and healthy physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally, and so much more.

I am so grateful for my mom. I owe so much to her. She is the most selfless person I know. She is always running around doing for others, and takes very little time just for herself. We have been through SO much together. I can't even begin to name what we have conquered as a twosome! But, truth be told, I wouldn't change a thing. I love that we share those experiences. I love that no one can take that away from us. Every girl should have that bond with their mom in some way or another. To be able to say that you share something that no one else does. I love you so much mom. I know that I don't always say it, but you mean the world to me. You do so much for me. You are always willing to help me out, and that is something I appreciate beyond words. Jaiya loves you SO much and she can see how much you adore her. You two love each other's company equally and that does my heart good knowing you are so close.

And to Candi.

Oh my goodness, I am one lucky girl. I swear even as a child I was dreaming about the day I would get married and have babies. Wondering what family I would be a part of. And here I am. I'm 25 years old, and married to my best friend, with a beautiful 1 1/2 year old, and I have the best in-laws EVER.  I have to thank you for raising Dustin the way you did. He is so compassionate, loving, and selfless, just like you. You are so good to us. You are willing to do anything to help us out. You have been so sweet to help out with Jaiya while I get through school and take the time to study. I would not have gotten through it without you. She loves you so much, and you can tell she knows how much you love her. She makes it a point to walk over almost every day! We have had many long conversations, and know each other so well from that. The more I know about you, the more I admire you. You are a great women who has done so much with her life. You should be so proud, I know I am. And most of all, thank you for loving me like your own.

And to both of you: Thank you for being you. I am so blessed to have great examples to look up to. I try to emulate you both, and become what I aspire to be: the perfect Mother just like you.Enjoy your day! XO

And, gorgeous to boot!

My Heart is Heavy

I have dreaded this post. But, it's important to me to remember this day, and the wonderful life that I was able to share a portion of. Although I lost 2 grandpa's when I was younger, I was too young to understand that it was a permanent thing, that I would no longer get to share moment's with them on this earth. As I've gotten older, I have been fortunate enough to continue to share moments with those I love without having to suffer another loss. But, on February 17th, that all changed. I lost a very important person in my life, my sweet Grandpa Rolf. It's never easy to lose someone you love, but this was so hard. Not only because I would miss him terribly, but because his sweet wife is left behind without him. Lilly loves Rolf so much, and they had such a special relationship. I have always admired them for that. They didn't have unrealistic expectations of each other, they understood each other, and were content with that. As simple as that is, it's something I have tried to incorporate in my marriage. That we are all unique, and special, and that we should let each other be what they are without trying to change them. I love that. What a great lesson to learn. On top of that, Rolf has accomplished so much. Too much to even remember everything. But some things I will never forget is Rolf's love for model airplanes. These airplanes are expensive and so much time goes in to preparing them to fly. From what I know, they are built to scale, and it takes lots of practice to be able to fly and land one. Not to mention you had to fly them on an actual runway to get the speed for them to take off! So neat!  I loved to go in his work room in the basement and see his planes. He took such pride them! Another thing I know about Rolf is that he was a successful engineer back in Switzerland. So much so, that he wrote and published a textbook on engineering. I need to get my hands on one of those books! Rolf was always a hard worker, up until the day he died, he was still taking care of his house and yard. Rolf was a successful man, and was able to move to the States that they loved so much! He loved Salina for it's peacefullness. He appreciated nature and the beautiful mountains we have around. I know he and Lilly enjoyed going in the mountains together! Although he enjoyed their condo in Salt Lake, I know that he had a special place in his heart for Salina. He loved it here.
 Nothing is better than learning from the wise. Those who have experienced life and have learned from it. I have always enjoyed talking to those in their later years, and admiring their wisdom. Dustin was the same when it came to Rolf. He was enjoyable to be around and we both loved talking to him. I am so grateful to have known such a wonderful man. I love you, Rolf. Thank you for all you did for us, and for being a part of our lives.
xo

We had a dinner at the South China restaurant in Richfield to honor Rolf. His closest friends were there, and it was a very special evening. Jerry gave a great speech, along with a few others. 

What an honor to have known Rolf. I am forever grateful.